Podcast
Better News Podcast
Hosted by Ricky Alcantar - Cross of Grace Church · EN
The gospel is always better news than you think. The gospel is God’s power to save, restore, encourage, and shape us. This weekday podcast features messages from Ricky Alcantar at Cross of Grace Church in El Paso, TX.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Grace For All - When Real Christianity Turns a City Upside Down, Part 2
4d ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeSometimes a life of faith can feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. Maybe you've been there, trying to live your life and fit in while also not straying too far from your faith in the process. You want to be seen a certain way by your peers and your friends and you think that your faith is just a little too far outside the lines of the picture in your mind. Today Pastor Ricky says that he knows how that feels and that you need to be careful. Your faith in God isn't something that can be customized to the ways of this world. "Mighty Fortress" by Sovereign Grace Music, used with permission.
Transcribe →Grace For All - When Real Christianity Turns a City Upside Down, Part 1
1w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeHave you ever visited a church or any other event that just seemed to have it all together? From the moment you walked through the door, everything seemed to be in its place and the atmosphere, from the people to the paint, was inviting and sending all of the right signals. Well, today Pastor Ricky says it's not about the paint color or the worship style but the heart of the people that creates the atmosphere. A heart for Jesus creates an environment that stands out in this world in the best way. "Mighty Fortress" by Sovereign Grace Music, used with permission.
Transcribe →Thy Kingdom Come - Deliver Us From Evil, Part 2
1w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeThe Lord's Prayer teaches us so much about the character of God and the hope of redemption that we have in Christ. When we accept the gift of salvation not only is our past sin forgiven but we're also given a hope for a life free from sin. As Pastor Ricky reminds us in today's message, as long as we live in the flesh, we're subject to the temptations of this world. But when we allow God to lead us, He'll not lead us into temptation but further into righteousness and freedom. "Mighty Fortress" by Sovereign Grace Music, used with permission.
Transcribe →Thy Kingdom Come - Deliver Us From Evil, Part 1
1w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeWhen we pray the words ‘deliver us from evil’ we may picture God as an armored tank protecting us from the external forces of evil that surround us. While God certainly does offer that kind of protection, there is another danger lurking that we often overlook. As Pastor Ricky warns in today's message, all of us are born with sinful desires, like ticking time bombs in our hearts. We need to be alert and aware of these desires and be ready to run to Christ as soon as they rear their head. "Mighty Fortress" by Sovereign Grace Music, used with permission.
Transcribe →Thy Kingdom Come - Forgive Us Our Debts, Part 2
1w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeHave you been hurt by someone? Maybe they harmed you or someone you love in a way that just seems unforgivable. As Pastor Ricky continues to lead us through the Lord's Prayer, we're challenged to do the impossible. It won't be easy, it won't feel as good as revenge does in the moment, and it'll take a lot of prayer and the Holy Spirit's helping hand but forgiveness is vital for all followers of Christ. We've been given an immeasurable grace and we need to extend that same grace to our debtors."Mighty Fortress" by Sovereign Grace Music, used with permission.
Transcribe →Thy Kingdom Come - Forgive Us Our Debts, Part 1
2w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeMost of us have opened a bill and found ourselves in a mild state of shock over the debt it contains. Medical bills, tax bills, loans, whatever it was, it may have felt insurmountable in that moment. Imagine if a benefactor walked up to us, took that bill, tore it up, and declared that they would take care of it. As Pastor Ricky reminds us in today's message, that is exactly what Christ has done for us. He took our debt of sin, a debt we could never pay, and He paid it with His own life on the cross."Mighty Fortress" by Sovereign Grace Music, used with permission.
Transcribe →Thy Kingdom Come - Give Us Our Daily Bread, Part 2
2w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeWe tend to take great pride in our self-reliance. Whether it's a physical need or desire, or a spiritual one, we prefer not to ask for help until it's absolutely necessary. While this may seem like an admirable characteristic, it doesn't fit well in the life of a believer. As Pastor Ricky examines the Lord's Prayer in today's message, we're reminded of God's great providence and our dependence on Him. We may manage to get by on our own for a little while but before long our strength will run out."Mighty Fortress" by Sovereign Grace Music, used with permission.
Transcribe →Thy Kingdom Come - Give Us Our Daily Bread, Part 1
2w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeOur culture strongly encourages hoarding. Whether it's food, money, or possessions, we never want to be without. Some have such a fear of not having that they even buy things that they have no intention of using simply because it's a good deal. In today's message, Pastor Ricky compares that mindset to our approach to prayer. We can't hoard God's blessings and guidance. As Jesus taught us to pray, we need to depend on God for our daily sustenance, both spiritual and physical."Mighty Fortress" by Sovereign Grace Music, used with permission.
Transcribe →Thy Kingdom Come - Your Will Be Done, Part 2
2w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeWe only get one chance to live a life that glorifies God. Bringing Him glory is at the backbone of living within His will. As we walk in the flesh, in this temporary existence, we have free will. We have the choice to live for self or to live for Him. As Pastor Ricky leads us through our study of the Lord's Prayer, he challenges us to surrender ourselves fully to the will of God. Will we use our time on this earth to make a name for ourselves and accrue earthly treasures or will we live for Him?"Mighty Fortress" by Sovereign Grace Music, used with permission.
Transcribe →Thy Kingdom Come - Your Will Be Done, Part 1
2w ago00:26:00Tap to summarizeWhen we pray, “Thy will be done”, do we really know what we're asking? The answer is not as simple as it may seem. As Pastor Ricky continues to explore the Lord's Prayer, he asks the question, “What is God's will?” We often think of His will as a secret map directing us on every life decision that can only be deciphered through years of study and prayer. Often times His will is much more straightforward than that. He doesn't withhold it from us but instead offers to lead us as a Good Shepherd."Mighty Fortress" by Sovereign Grace Music, used with permission.
Transcribe →